Gama, the global business aviation and services group today announces the appointment of Richard Lineveldt as General Manager, Gama Aviation FZE, with the task of implementing its growth strategy throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

Richard began his career in business aviation in South Africa. Prior to joining Gama in 2008, to establish the Operations Department of Gama's Middle East and North African business, Richard gained significant experience in a number of aviation operations roles around the world.

Richard has been a key member of the Gama management team supporting a number of Gama's recent expansion initiatives in the region. These have included the set-up of the exclusive operation of Sharjah International Airport's Executive Handling Service (Fixed Based Operation) and the successful award of Gama's United Arab Emirates Air Operators Certificate.

"Having been a member of the team that established Gama's operations in the UAE in 2008, I have been fortunate enough to see the group grow, both regionally and internationally, to establish itself as one of the few truly global business aviation services providers," said Richard Lineveldt, General Manager, Gama Aviation FZE. "I particularly admire the fact that I am joining a Gama Senior Management team that is recognised and respected throughout our industry for its focus on safety, security, innovation and off course customer service."

"I am delighted to be able to appoint Richard to his new position as General Manager," said Dave Edwards, Managing Director, Gama Aviation FZE. "Richard's appointment to help lead our activities in the Middle East and North Africa at a time of significant growth is well earned and recognises his personal contribution to Gama's success in today's challenging business aviation market."

About Gama Group

Gama is a global business aviation services organization, founded in 1983 in the UK by Marwan Khalek and Stephen Wright.

Gama employs over 400 personnel and operates over 80 business aircraft around the globe and over 30 operating bases across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East.

Gama Group is headquartered at Farnborough Airport in the UK, with its American headquarters in Stratford, CT, its Middle East and North Africa headquarters at Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and its Asian headquarters in Hong Kong.

The group's companies and affiliates hold EU-OPS, FAA Part 135 and UAE GCAA Charter Certificates, FAA Part 145 Maintenance Approvals, Part 21 Design and Manufacture Approvals and offer business aircraft charter, management, FBO, maintenance, valeting and aviation software services.

Recent expansion of services have included the exclusive provision of executive aircraft ground services at Sharjah International Airport, UAE and the establishment of Gama Engineering Ltd, affording fixed and rotor wing aircraft operators a comprehensive design, manufacturing, certification, maintenance, repair, overhaul and modification service at Fairoaks Airport, UK. Gama's most recent acquisition Ronaldson Airmotive is fully EASA Part 145 certified for the provision of engine and component overhaul services.

Contributed by Gama Group